Rethinking the European Strategy for Asia

Finnish Institute of International Affairs·
15.04.2014
13:00
-
15:00

jaa

After Xi Jinping’s first Presidential tour of Europe, it is an opportune moment to consider the requirements for a common European strategy for Asia and explore its wider implications. At present, the European approach to the Asian continent is out of step with the actions and interests of each Asian nation. Asian countries are not collectively interested in the multilateral security institutions and international arbitration which the EU is offering. How can the EU reward greater security compromise in Asia and take a more central security role? On the other hand, the EU’s economic strategy towards China as well as the wider region focuses on bilateral trade. What would be the advantages of a Europe-Asia-Partnership (EAP) to match the US-backed Trans-Pacific-Partnership (TPP)?

Angela Stanzel, Policy Fellow with the China & Asia Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations, will present the findings of ECFR’s policy brief "Divided Asia: The Implications for Europe”. She will be joined by Thomas König, China & Asia Programme Coordinator and core contributor to the research. Stanzel and König will offer deeper insights into the internal politics and security challenges facing Asia, and will discuss how the EU should engage with the region in the coming decade.

Opening remarks:

Teija Tiilikainen, Director, the Finnish Institute of International Affairs